The Song of Ch'un-Hyang (74-89)
The author of this is not stated clearly, so its origins are somewhat confusing. Was it man man that wrote it or a woman? If by a man, how was he able to honorably portray such a noble woman with a pure heart? And why make a man the bad guy in a time where men were gaining power in the transition to adopting Confucianism? Could it be that the author found this lack of equality unfair and wanted to illustrate just why females deserved equal respect (76)?
There were strong ties to the differentiation of the classes. The tale shows that the poor soldiers and Ch'un-Hyang and even the executioner as highly moral and even though they are bound by duty and honor, they have respect for what is morally right in accordance to their laws (81, 82, 83). They also show that the man with all the local powers abuses them and breaks the kings law when left unchecked. It is indeed a sad day when the rich and powerful cannot afford manners, mercy, or kindness. (82)
Ch'un-Hyang says " ... virtue is the same for high ranks and low." (82). This ideal is a sort of slant to the governor who is trying to make her a concubine, not even honoring her with the rank of wife. Thus showing how low he thought of her. He continually tried to lessen her confidence in her husband and in her own station in life. This shows how men would force their power over a female. What I found interesting is her unwillingness to submit to power. In Oroonoko we see his wife submit to the king and become a part of his harem. And here we see Ch'un-Hyang who's mother was a performer for men, and in a culture that is stereotyped for its submissive females, but she is not typical at all. She is resolute and firm and withstands torment and abuse many men would break to. But she does not (86).
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